Bentley is making big headlines in India this week. The British luxury carmaker has just revealed exciting updates that change its future roadmap. For wealthy car lovers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, the news is a mix of high-speed thrills and green technology.

The company has officially unveiled the 2026 Bentley Continental GT S and GTC S (Convertible). At the same time, they have updated their global strategy, promising a new “Urban Electric SUV” later this year while confirming that petrol-hybrid engines will remain available for much longer than expected.

Here is everything you need to know about why Bentley is trending in India right now.

The New 2026 Continental GT S: What’s Special?

In late January and early February 2026, Bentley pulled the covers off its newest sporty models: the Continental GT S and its open-top sibling, the GTC S.

These cars are designed for drivers who want more “attitude” and sharpness on the road.

• The Engine: It uses a powerful 4.0-litre V8 Hybrid engine.
• Power: It produces a massive 670 bhp and 930 Nm of torque.
• Speed: It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
• Electric Mode: Being a hybrid, it can travel up to 80 km on silent electric power alone—perfect for creeping through heavy traffic in Indian cities before unleashing the V8 on the highway.

The “S” badge means these cars get blacked-out exterior details (instead of chrome), a louder sports exhaust, and a specially tuned suspension for better handling.

Read more: Mahindra XUV 3XO EV 

Major Strategy Change: Petrol Hybrids to Stay Until 2035

For a long time, Bentley said they would go “100% electric” by 2030. That plan has changed.

Recognizing that customers in markets like India, the US, and China still love the sound and feel of an engine, Bentley has announced a new plan called “Beyond100+.”

• They will continue to sell Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) until at least 2035.
• This is great news for Indian buyers who may be worried about charging infrastructure on long road trips. You get the luxury of a petrol engine backed by a battery.

The First Electric Bentley is Coming in 2026

While petrol stays for now, the future is still electric. Bentley has confirmed that its first-ever fully electric car will be revealed later in 2026.

• What is it? It will be a “Luxury Urban SUV.”
• Size: It will be slightly smaller than the massive Bentayga (under 5 meters long), making it easier to drive in congested cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru.
• Charging: It promises to add 100 miles (approx. 160 km) of range in just 7 minutes of charging.

Bentley’s Growing Presence in India

India is becoming a key market for ultra-luxury cars. In recent months, Bentley has strengthened its foothold here:

1. New Showrooms: Bentley recently opened world-class showrooms in Mumbai and Bengaluru. These are not just dealerships but “experience centers” where buyers can customize every inch of their cars.
2. Rising Demand: Despite high import duties (taxes), wealthy Indian businessmen, celebrities, and cricketers are increasingly buying models like the Bentley Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase), which costs over ₹6 Crore.

Why This Matters for Indian Buyers

For the ultra-rich in India, a car is a status symbol. The new 2026 updates offer the “best of both worlds.”

• Green Plate Ready: The new hybrids can potentially run on green number plates in some zones or enjoy future benefits for lower emissions.
• No Range Anxiety: Since the petrol engine is staying till 2035, buyers don’t have to worry about running out of charge on Indian highways.
• Resale Value: Hybrid luxury cars tend to hold their value better than pure electric ones in the current market.

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